ITV2, the British channel that airs Love Island, announced Sunday’s cancelation on Instagram Sunday. Officials said the return episode on Monday will include a dedication to Flack, who served as the show’s host for five seasons.
“Many people at ITV knew Caroline well and held her in great affection,” the representatives said in a statement Sunday. “All of us are absolutely devastated at this tragic news. After careful consultation between Caroline’s representatives and the Love Island production team and given how close we still are to the news of Caroline’s tragic death we have decided not to broadcast tonight’s Love Island out of respect for Caroline’s family. Love Island will return tomorrow night which will include a tribute to Caroline who will be forever in our hearts.”
Kevin Lygo, director of television at ITV, told Newsweek there will be no Love Island: Aftersun Monday night, or Love Island: The Morning After podcast on Tuesday morning.
In the email statement, Lygo added: “Love Island will return tonight and will include a tribute to Caroline that the team in South Africa and Iain Stirling have put together. Caroline loved Love Island and was very vocal in her support of the show. Viewers could relate to her and she to them and that was a big part of the programme’s success. We will all miss her very much.”
He also said Flack was invited to return to Love Island after her departure as host. “After Caroline stepped down from the show ITV made it clear that the door was left open for her to return and the Love Island production team remained in regular contact with her and continued to offer support over the last few months,” Lygo’s statement said.
The Sun broke the news that Flack was found dead by suicide in her home Saturday. She was 40 years old. Flack was waiting to stand trial on accusations of assault against her boyfriend, Lewis Burton. She had denied the allegations.
Flack was removed from her hosting position on Love Island ahead of the Season 6 premiere, which aired in January as the first winter season of the successful show. Laura Whitmore replaced Flack after the assault allegations.
At the time, Flack issued a statement. “Love Island has been my world for the last five years, it’s the best show on telly,” she said, according to Radio Times. “In order to not detract attention from the upcoming series I feel the best thing I can do is to stand down for Series 6. I want to wish the incredible team working on the show a fantastic series in Cape Town.”
The former host and model was praised by former Love Island contestants, ITV and boyfriend Burton, who mourned the unexpected loss.
Burton and Flack were prohibited from speaking to each other until Flack’s trial on March 4. He issued an emotional statement on Instagram Sunday. “My heart is broken we had something so special,” Burton wrote. “I am so lost for words I am in so much pain I miss you so much I know you felt safe with me you always said I don’t think about anything else when I am with you and I was not allowed to be there this time I kept asking and asking.”
He continued. “I will be your voice baby I promise I will ask all the questions you wanted and I will get all the answers nothing will bring you back but I will try make you proud everyday [sic].”
Love Island Season 5 winner Amber Gill posted her own message of grief on Instagram. “A supportive friend in a time of need,” she wrote. “An amazing woman. I have no words. You will be truly missed. Thinking of Caroline’s close friends and family.”
After Flack’s death, a change.org petition asking for the U.K. government to look into aggressive media tactics gained over 200,000 signatures.
If you have thoughts of suicide, confidential help is available for free at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 1-800-273-8255. The line is available 24 hours, every day.
This article has been updated to include a statement from ITV and Kevin Lygo.
